In spite of shutdown, no security delays so far at key cruise ports

With the US government shutdown dragging on, long lines at some airports are reported as more security screeners fail to show up for work. But, so far, there's no impact to cruise operations at key seaports contacted by Seatrade Cruise News.

Customs and Border Protection officers continue to do their jobs, unpaid, at the nation's busiest cruise gateways.

No delays at Florida's Big 3 cruise ports

'We are not experiencing any problems, although we are monitoring the situation and hoping for an end to the shutdown,' Port Everglades spokeswoman Ellen Kennedy said.

'On a humanitarian note, the officers from the Broward Sheriff’s Office took up a collection [Sunday] and bought lunch for the CBP officers who work here,' Kennedy added.

So far, so good at Port of Los Angeles

On the US West Coast, there are 'no issues for us so far,' according to marketing manager Chris Chase at the Port of Los Angeles.

From the cruise line perspective, 'We have not experienced any significant impacts to our operation,' Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. spokesman Owen Torres said. 'Also, our clearance process/debark has not seen any significant delays.'

Of course, passengers flying to their cruise may need to allow more time at the airport. Travelers can find information including crowd-sourced airport security wait times by using the Transportation Security Administration's 'MyTSA' mobile app.